Evaluation of the Effects of Dietary Energy Density on Anthropometric and Glycemic Indices and Lipid Profile in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is considered as a major metabolic disease with high rates of mortality. This study was performed to assess the effects of low and high energy dense vs diets on anthropometric measures, glycemic index, and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetic women. Methods: In a randomized controlled parallel design clinical trial, a total of 60 diabetic women [age: 30-60 years; body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2] participated. After matching for age, BMI, and menopausal status, subjects were randomly assigned to consume either a low energy dense [charbohydrate: 65% and fat: 25% of total energy], high energy dense (charbohydrate: 55% and fat: 35%), or normal-energy-dense diets (charbohydrate: 60% and fat: 30%) for 8 weeks. Compliance was assessed through a 3-day dietary record during the intervention. Anthropometric measures, plasma glucose and serum insulin, and lipid profiles were evaluated on fasting state at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Findings: Difference in dietary energy density did not result in different changes in weight and BMI between groups. Mean change in weight and BMI were almost -3 kg and 1-1.5 kg/m2 for all groups. Consumption of high energy dense diet resulted in significantly lower serum triglyceride levels compared to low and normal energy dense diets (-41.16 vs. 2.56 and 14.64 mg/dL, P = 0.01). Within-group differences revealed significant effect of low energy dense diet on serum low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels (-13.25 mg/dL, P = 0.004 and -17.68 mg/dL, P = 0.003 respectively). No overall significant differences in fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were observed between the 3 groups. Conclusion: Consumption of a high energy dense diet might reduce elevated serum triglyceride levels among Iranian women with type 2 diabes. However, adherence to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables might improve serum low density lipoprotein and total-cholesterol levels of these patients. Keywords: Dietary energy density; Anthropometry; Glycemic index; Lipids; Diabetes mellitus